Leavenworth is a large city in Kansas. It is the biggest city in Leavenworth County and the County’s seat. Leavenworth is a member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
Leavenworth is situated in the northeastern part of Kansas. The city got its name from a renowned American officer who fought in the 1812 war.
Leavenworth County is old and historical; it’s part of this region’s first set of counties. This County has many stunning locations and scenery.
This spectacular city had a population of 37,351 during the 2020 census. Located nearby is the renowned Missouri River. One of the most popular attractions in Leavenworth is Fort Leavenworth; this fort is a famous building known for its various historical contributions.
Leavenworth is a great place for family trips or vacations because there’s always a fun activity for everyone.
Let’s explore the best and fun things to do in Leavenworth, KS.
Things to Do in Leavenworth, KS
1. Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth
The Famous Fort Leavenworth is one of the best places to visit in Leavenworth, KS. This historic landmark was founded in 1827. Fort Leavenworth was a major army base during the wars. It’s currently the second oldest United States Army station located west of Washington, DC, that is still active.
Fort Leavenworth is also the oldest military structure west of the famous Mississippi River that is still functional. When the United States was expanding westward, Fort Leavenworth was one of the major outposts for various settlers, Native Americans, Surveyors, and soldiers.
This place is a must-visit for tourists and visitors of the city; Fort Leavenworth welcomes tourists daily. Visitors can always pick up a pass from the Visitor Control Center and enjoy the adventurous Historical Wayside tour.
Fort Leavenworth is a lovely place with beautiful views and various historical structures.
Address: Fort Leavenworth, Leavenworth, KS 66027, United States.
2. Downtown Leavenworth
Downtown Leavenworth
Downtown Leavenworth has a busy and enjoyable energy. This historical downtown is always filled with visitors and tourists from various backgrounds and places. Most visitors are on their way to check out Fort Leavenworth.
Downtown Leavenworth features over 275 shops, businesses, and more than 28 restaurants and diners. This place’s stability is mainly because of the Leavenworth Main Street Program that was started in 1995. This program provided a lovely downtown where people could shop, dine, and be entertained.
Downtown Leavenworth is a remarkable place in the city and a must-see district in Leavenworth. A trip through Downtown Leavenworth is one of the top things to do in Leavenworth, KS.
Address: Downtown Leavenworth, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
3. Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum
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Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum
This Museum is situated at a significant historical location, the former house of Captain William Bly, a US Army Buffalo Soldier. Opposite the Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum is the beloved Bethel A.M.E Church.
This Cultural Center and Museum were both expanded in 2002 and now feature a large variety of artifacts, including items of individuals who were at Fort Leavenworth, like the famous Colin Powell.
One of the most compelling and intriguing stories told at the Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum is the story of Cathy Williams, a Buffalo Soldier.
This honorable and brave woman enlisted disguised as a man. Touring the Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum is among the top things to do in Leavenworth, KS.
Address: 412 Kiowa St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
4. Wagging Tails Dog Park
Wagging Tails Dog Park is a fascinating amusement park in Leavenworth. This park features various exciting activities for humans and dogs.
Wagging Tails dog park is great for having fun with your pet dog. This Park was inaugurated in 2010. It’s an off-leash dog park meaning the dogs don’t have to be on leashes.
This amazing Park covers six acres, divided into different groups and sections for different dog sizes. Wagging Tails dog park has many dog toys and equipment that guarantee them a fun time.
This park is also a perfect place to socialize and meet new people; you can also visit this park with friends and family with dogs. Wagging Tails Dog Park is an entertaining spot offering some of the fun things to do in Leavenworth, KS.
Address: 2900 Home Pl, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
5. C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
Charles Wallace Parker constructed the first Carry-Us-All ride in 1898. Its popularity made him move his company from Abilene to Leavenworth. The Carousels then started evolving with various beautiful horses and other rideable animals.
Charles Wallace Parker’s company continued to be a great source of amusement till 1955. However, out of the 1,000+ carousels constructed by the company, only 16 are still working because the rides were created to have a five-year life space.
Two out of the working 16 can be found at the Charles Wallace Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth. The most popular ride is the 1913 Carry-us-all, which features 31 beautiful hand-carved wooden sculptures, including two bunnies, a sleigh ride, four horses, and a teacup.
At the Museum, you can also learn more about Charles Wallace Parker and his companies. Various historical artifacts can be found at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum. Exploring this Museum should be on your checklist of what to do in Leavenworth, KS.
Address: 320 S Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
6. Performing Arts Centre
Performing Arts Centre
Performing Arts Center has been registered on the National Register of Historic Places since the 1990s. In the 1970s, the building was donated to the city and is now used as a venue for different Performing Arts.
The Performing Arts Center is also the base of the River City Community Players, a talented non-profit group producing various engaging, high-quality performances.
Some of their popular shows are Mamma Mia, The Mouse Trap, Dial M for Murder, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Oklahoma, and more. Enjoying the shows at the Performing Arts Center is one of the best things to do in Leavenworth, KS.
Address: 500 Delaware St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
7. Carrol Mansion
Carrol Mansion
The Carrol Mansion has a beautiful interior with luxurious fixtures and fittings that reference an affluent era in the City. The Mansion has marvelous quality, from excellent woodwork to perfect windows.
This Mansion is even more fascinating for its role as a local history research centre; it also houses about 30,000 glass plates stretching around 100 years of the city’s history. Carrol Museum is a historical and significant place in Leavenworth, KS.
Address: 1128 5th Avenue, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
8. Leavenworth Farmers’ Market
Leavenworth Farmers’ Market is a special event held at Haymarket Square. This market is held twice a week, mainly on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons between May and September.
Leavenworth Farmers’ Market offers sales of many locally made products, like clothing and home materials. You can also find fresh food items and products.
This is the best place to purchase fruits and vegetables in the summer. They have locally produced baked goods, jams, honey, eggs, home decor, handmade soaps, meats, candles, prepared food, spice blends, flowers, and more.
Leavenworth Farmers’ Market offers one of the best shopping experiences and is one of the best places to shop in the city.
Address: 7th and 649 Cherokee St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
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9. Leavenworth Veterans Day Parade
Leavenworth Veterans Day Parade
If you’ve never attended or experienced a Leavenworth Veterans Day Parade, you are in for a treat. This spectacular event is held annually on the 11th day of November. It is celebrated as a way to honor the military and the city’s history.
Leavenworth Veterans Day Parade has been held every year since 1919. It is the oldest parade in the nation and west of the River Mississippi.
Leavenworth Veterans Day Parade is the largest event held in the city, with more than 20,000 spectators from around the world. The parade usually starts from 4th and Cherokee and follows a 1.5-mile way through downtown Leavenworth.
The parade starts at 10:30 am. After the parade, live music, a military display, a Barbeque cook-off, and many other events are held at 10th Avenue Park.
Address: 649 Cherokee St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
10. Leavenworth Landing Park
Leavenworth Landing Park
Leavenworth Landing Park is a beautiful beach park covering a quarter-mile on the banks of the Missouri River. This Park is an elegant attraction suitable for various family-fun activities.
The Park was established as a tribute to the transport associates that aided in the development of Leavenworth in the 19th Century, like the railroads, military roads, riverboat routes, and Westward Trails.
Leavenworth Landing Park is a beautiful and adventurous one in the city. It’s a great place during the winter for visitors interested in eagle-watching. In the summer, guests can enjoy its gorgeous views and sights.
Leavenworth Landing Park features a trail at the southern end, linking with the Three mile Creek walking Trail. Leavenworth Landing Park offers some fun things to do in Leavenworth, KS.
Address: 2 Cherokee St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
11. USP Leavenworth
USP Leavenworth
USP Leavenworth is located along US 73 in the northern part of the city. The building looks like a mansion or an educational establishment. Meanwhile, it’s a medium-security prison.
Between 1903 and 2005, USP Leavenworth was the largest maximum-security prison in the United States before it was later demoted to a medium-security prison.
This prison has housed some famous people, including Robert Stroud(also known as the Birdman of Alcatraz), the Lucchese mafia boss Anthony Corallo, and famous musician George Kelly Barnes (known as Machine Gun Kelly).
Tours of this prison aren’t available, but the sights and driveway are one of the many reasons this place is worth visiting.
Address: 1300 Metropolitan Ave, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
12. Wollman Park
Wollman Park
Wollman Park covers about eleven acres of land and has many fun amenities, including an aquatic centre, Play equipment, Grills, Cornhole Court, and even several rentable shelters.
The most recent addition to the Park, the Cornhole Court, was added in 2022. It is a place to play the cornhole game which has been gaining popularity in recent years. Wollman Park is a great place to have fun and relax in the city.
Address: Wollman Park, 1314 Osage Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
13. Weston Bend State Park
Weston Bend State Park
Weston Bend State Park features a beautiful trail along the cliff’s edge, giving you perfect stunning views of the surroundings. This Park has cool features like a campground, a children’s playground, and more.
This State Park is always stunning, but it looks magical when the leaves change color during the fall. Various quiet picnic sites and an open shelter can also be found at Weston Bend State Park.
Address: Weston Bend State Park, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
14. Leavenworth Antique Mall
Leavenworth Antique Mall is a place to find old or antiquated items in the city. Vintage clothes, Antique furniture, and ancient books can be found at this shopping mall.
Leavenworth Antique Mall features more than 70 vendors. In a three-story building, this mall covers 9,000 square feet. It’s a great place to look for souvenirs and gift items.
This shopping mall offers many hidden and forgotten treasures like vintage cameras, old jewelry pieces, and more usable items. Leavenworth Antique shopping mall is an organized and well-stocked shopping centre.
Address: 505 Delaware St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
15. Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park
Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park
Buffalo Soldier is now used to represent every African-American regiment established in 1866. Still, it was formerly used as the name of the 10th Cavalry Regiment, which was started in Leavenworth.
This regiment was active until 1944. They fought in various wars like the Indian Wars, the Spain war, World War Two, Philippine insurrections, and others. They also partook in peacetime duties in the 19th century, like protecting travelers and building the infrastructure in the West.
The Buffalo Memorial Park is located near Fort Merritt Lake and was commemorated in 1992 by Colin Powell. This Park has an impressive 13-foot bronze statue at the centre, showing a cavalryman atop a waterfall.
Various busts of significant people can also be found at this Park, including one of Colin Powell. He was the first African-American leader of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and State secretary. The Buffalo Memorial Park is one of the best places to visit in Leavenworth, KS.
Address: 290 Stimson Ave, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027, United States.
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16. Z and M Twisted Vines Winery and Vineyard
Z and M Twisted Vines Winery and Vineyard is the perfect place to visit for wine lovers. This Winery in Leavenworth produces many quality and tasty wines.
Z and M Twisted Vines Winery and Vineyard is a family-owned organization that produces wine of extraordinary flavors. Some of the most famous wines in this place are the Coffee wine and the Hellfire Jalapeno wine.
A visit to the Z and M Twisted Vines winery and vineyard will be informative and productive. You will see how the grapes are grown and processed to create their wines.
Address: 620 Cherokee St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
17. Chapel of the Veterans
Chapel of the Veterans
The Chapel of Veterans is a great place to see in Leavenworth. It is located in Eisenhower medical centre, which was previously called “The Western Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers.”
The Chapel of the Veterans is a gothic Revival place of worship located in the southeastern part of the city. This historic building was erected in 1893 and is currently listed as a National Historic Landmark.
This place of worship is famous for its ability to hold Catholic and Protestant services. The Chapel of Veterans was picked as a finalist for the Eight wonders of Kansas Architecture by the Kansas Sampler Foundation. Beautifully carved gargoyles can be seen from the outside.
Address: 4101 S 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
18. Hawthorn Park
Hawthorn Park
Hawthorn Park has many facilities that guarantee a fun time; some of them are Ball fields, Grills, Play equipment, Horseshoe Courts, and recently completed 55′ by 60′ splash pads.
This Park covers nine and a half acres of land and has a Softball field used mainly by the softball teams in the city for their practice and games. Hawthorn Park also has rentable shelters that must be reserved online at least 48 hours before they can be used.
Address: 1100 Ohio St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
19. Frontier Army Museum
Frontier Army Museum
Frontier Army Museum is a great place to learn about the various military procedures and explorations that happened in the 19th Century, especially those in Leavenworth, Kansas.
The Frontier Army Museum features the Beyond Lewis and Clark exhibit that is endowed with uniforms, weapons, and equipment from the beginning of the city.
This Museum started its journey of collecting various important historical artifacts in 1938; they currently feature over 7,000 unique items and exhibits. One of the fascinating exhibits at the Frontier Army Museum is Abraham Lincoln’s carriage from his visit to the Missouri and Kansas territory in 1859.
The Frontier Army Museum has many lovely activities, items, exhibits, and amenities that guarantee a fun time.
Address: 100 Reynolds Ave, Leavenworth, KS 66027, United States.
20. Luigi’s 418 Italian Restaurant
Luigi’s 418 Italian Restaurant
Are you searching for what to do in Leavenworth, KS, with your partner? Dine at this exquisite Italian restaurant. Luigi’s 418 Italian Restaurant is a dining establishment focused on Italian meals.
Luigi’s 418 Italian Restaurant offers meal options such as Italian bread knots, meatballs, Shrimp and Spinach Ravioli, and many others.
The Shrimp and Spinach Ravioli is one of the restaurant’s most popular and enjoyable meals. This restaurant has excellent service, wonderful staff, and a lovely atmosphere. Luigi’s 418 Italian Restaurant is one of the best places to dine in Leavenworth, KS.
Address: 418 Cherokee St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
21. Art Walk on Shawnee Street
Art Walk on Shawnee Street is located in Downtown Leavenworth. It’s a place to see beautiful artworks that will help you appreciate local artists.
Strolling on Shawnee Street will take you past Art Walk. Various gorgeous public art pieces are available on display, such as murals, statues, etc.
Most works of art at this place were inspired by the region’s history, like Abraham Lincoln’s Statue, which is a reminder of his visit to the city in 1859. You can also learn more about the various art on display at Art Walk in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Address: Art Walk, Shawnee Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
22. Riverfront Community Center
Riverfront Community Center is a view to behold. This majestic structure is situated near the famous Carousel Museum and Leavenworth Landing Park.
This Community Center is an 1888 Union Pacific Train depot built in a Romanesque style. This stunning attraction is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In the 1980s, this place was renovated and converted into the Riverfront Community Center and was expanded in recent years.
Riverfront Community Center features a cardio room, a weight room, racquetball courts, a gym, an indoor pool and track, and multipurpose halls and spaces for events, fitness classes, and private functions.
Address: 123 S Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
23. Three-Mile Creek Walking Trail
The Three-Mile Creek Walking Trail is a peaceful trail with a tranquil atmosphere. This is a great place to escape from the city’s gruesome history.
This Trail was developed by Leavenworth City in 2009 and had since then become a perfect spot for a relaxing evening stroll or a morning run. The Trail links the Missouri River and Haymarket Square in the city.
This paved Trail features greenery and a stream authorized in 1804. It has an entertaining history. This is a perfect place to enjoy nature in Leavenworth, KS.
Address: 401 S 7th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, United States.
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Plan Your Trip to Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a place full of history, culture, and entertainment. Leavenworth is a fun city in Kansas.
Ensure to come along with your loved ones for a maximum fun adventure in the city. Leavenworth, KS, awaits your exploration!